China's imports of N. Korean goods fall 35 pct in March

BEIJING, April 25 (Yonhap) -- China's imports of North Korean goods fell 35 percent in March compared to the previous month, data showed Tuesday, following Beijing's decision to suspend coal imports from the reclusive regime until the end of this year.

Imports from North Korea declined to US$114.56 million last month from $176.7 million tallied the previous month, according to Chinese customs data.

In late February, China suspended North Korean coal imports through the end of the year in accordance with the U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in December to punish Pyongyang for its fifth nuclear test in September.

The resolution centers on putting a significant cap on North Korea's exports of coal -- the country's single biggest export item and source of hard currency. The cap was set at whichever is lower between 7.5 million tons or $400 million.

North Korea heavily relies on coal exports to China for its foreign currency income. China imported $1.19 billion worth of coals from North Korea last year.
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